India 2018

States and Union Territories 621
Festivals
Kerala is the home of many colourful festivals. Onam is the most typical of
festivals which coincides with the harvest season. It is now celebrated on
astronomical New Year Day. Navarathri is celebrated as Saraswathi Pooja. Maha
Shivarathri is celebrated on the banks of Periyar river as a spectacular festival
which is compared to Kumbhamela. The 41-day festival, which coincides with
Makaravilakku in Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, attracts lakhs of people from
India and abroad. The Vallamkali or boat race is typical of Kerala. All the boat
festivals have a religious origin except Nehru Trophy Boat Race conducted in
the Punnamada Lake. Thrissur celebrates Pooram festival in April - May every
year with an impressive procession of caparisoned elephants and display of
unparalleled pyrotechnics. Main Christian festivals are Christmas and Easter.
Mormon Convention held every year on the Pumba riverbed is the biggest
gathering of Christians in Asia. The Muslims celebrate Milade Shareef, Ramzan
Id-ul-Fitr and Bakrid.
Tourism
Kerala, located on the south western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical
features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in
the world. Fondly referred to as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala was selected
by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime
and one of the thirteen paradises in the world. Its unique eco-tourism initiatives,
culture and traditions coupled with its varied demography has made Kerala
one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. An equable climate,
serene beaches, tranquil stretches of back waters; lush hill stations and exotic
wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is
that most of the destinations here are only a two-four hour drive from the
other.
O. W.: http://www.kerala.gov.in
Government
Governor : Justice (Retd.) P. Sathasivam Chief Secretary : Dr. K. M. Abraham
Chief Minister : Shri Pinarayi Vijayan Jurisdiction of : Kerala and
Madhya Pardesh
High Court
Lakshadweep
Area 3,08,252 sq km Population : 7.27 crore (prov. census 2011)
Capital : Bhopal Principal Language : Hindi
History and Geography
Madhya Pradesh is the second largest Indian state in size with an area of
3,08,000 sq.km. Geographically it occupies a pivotal position in the country.
King Ashoka, first of all, ruled over Ujjain. A sizeable portion of Central India